NHL goaltending expert Steve Valiquette has pinpointed a critical issue affecting Edmonton Oilers netminder Tristan Jarry, identifying "misalignment" as the primary factor behind his recent on-ice struggles. Valiquette, a longtime hockey analyst for MSG Networks and CEO of Clear Sight Analytics, shared his insights during an appearance on The 100% Hockey podcast, offering a detailed breakdown of Jarry's technical challenges.
The Core Problem: Alignment and Positioning
Valiquette emphasized that proper alignment is fundamental for any goaltender, involving the ability to move seamlessly from one body position to another while remaining square to the puck. He explained that Jarry currently lacks this crucial alignment, which directly impacts his positional effectiveness. "When I see Jarry right now, his alignment's off," Valiquette stated, highlighting how even minor discrepancies in foot placement or hip positioning can undermine a goalie's performance.
The Role of Goalie Coaches
According to Valiquette, maintaining alignment throughout the season is a primary responsibility of goalie coaches. He described how, during his own NHL career, he developed specific exercises to test his alignment, such as standing on the blue line and checking if his skate positions were consistent. "The next step is for your goalie coach to keep you aligned," Valiquette noted, adding that goalies often cannot self-assess this aspect during game action or practices due to perceptual limitations.
Valiquette elaborated that goalie coaches must use video analysis and targeted drills to ensure proper alignment, as it forms the foundation of positional play. "You can't do your job positionally if you don't have alignment," he asserted, stressing that this technical flaw requires immediate attention through focused coaching and repetition.
A Potential Turning Point
Interestingly, Valiquette also pointed to a recent game where Jarry was thrust into action unexpectedly against the Colorado Avalanche as a possible catalyst for improvement. He suggested that entering a game "cold" without extensive preparation might benefit Jarry by reducing overthinking and allowing him to rely on instinct. "This could be the best thing for Jarry," Valiquette remarked, explaining that such scenarios force goalies to compete purely on reflex and natural ability.
Valiquette believes that positive results from instinct-driven performances can build confidence, helping Jarry trust his skills without excessive analysis. "Maybe I should just go out there and compete and play on instinct because I'm good enough to do that," he paraphrased, underscoring the mental aspect of goaltending alongside technical adjustments.
Context and Performance
Jarry's alignment issues came under scrutiny following a game on January 31, 2026, against the Minnesota Wild, where he was pulled in the second period in favor of backup Connor Ingram. This incident underscores the urgency of addressing his technical flaws to stabilize the Oilers' goaltending situation. Valiquette's analysis provides a roadmap for Jarry and the Oilers' coaching staff, blending technical correction with psychological encouragement to navigate this challenging phase.
As the Oilers aim for consistency in net, Valiquette's expert perspective offers valuable insights into the nuanced world of professional goaltending, where alignment serves as a cornerstone of success.
